Blocked Milk Duct
How does ultrasound work?
There are two forms of ultrasound:
Treatment ultrasound generates deep heat, which can aid in breaking up
hardened milk that is blocking the milk duct, if traditional methods of hot
compresses and massage have not worked. It can also help with the pain
caused by the blockage.
Most women who have this treatment find that after nursing or pumping a
few times the blockage clears – generally the same or next day. You may
need a that the blockage in the treated area clears either immediately or after
nursing or pumping a few times – generally the same or next day. You may
need a Call to second treatment of ultrasound – usually the next day - if your
blockage is large. Call to schedule as soon as possible if needed. If the
blockage does not resolve follow-up.
Some reasons why milk ducts become blocked:
After treatment:
If you have any further questions please call our office to speak with a therapist.
How does ultrasound work?
There are two forms of ultrasound:
- Diagnostic ultrasound that your doctor uses to see your baby
- Treatment ultrasound which we use in physical therapy.
Treatment ultrasound generates deep heat, which can aid in breaking up
hardened milk that is blocking the milk duct, if traditional methods of hot
compresses and massage have not worked. It can also help with the pain
caused by the blockage.
Most women who have this treatment find that after nursing or pumping a
few times the blockage clears – generally the same or next day. You may
need a that the blockage in the treated area clears either immediately or after
nursing or pumping a few times – generally the same or next day. You may
need a Call to second treatment of ultrasound – usually the next day - if your
blockage is large. Call to schedule as soon as possible if needed. If the
blockage does not resolve follow-up.
Some reasons why milk ducts become blocked:
- A baby who is not a good nurser
- Extended time between feedings (return to work, baby sleeping
through night) - Incomplete nursing or pumping
- Stress (may interfere with let-down)
- Cysts or fibrotic tissue in the breast can also cause milk duct blockages
(due to pressure on the milk duct). If a woman has several blockages
that always affect the same area, this may be the likely cause.
Ultrasound can still work for such blockages, but these women may
have ongoing problems while nursing. Typically this situation worsens
over time as the milk supply increases due to the baby’s increased
demand.
After treatment:
- Apply heat compresses and use massage while nursing or pumping
immediately following a treatment. These combined approaches have
helped to clear the blockages. - When massaging, make sure you use firm pressure and begin under
the far end of the blockage and move toward the nipple. Taking a very
warm bath and/or upper body exercise to increase circulation around
the milk ducts may also help. - If you notice something white on your nipple, it could be the blockage;
try to pull it out if it comes easily. - Any efforts to increase circulation/flow of milk (ultrasound, heat,
massage) should always be immediately followed up with nursing or
pumping as soon as possible, or the blockage could worsen.
If you have any further questions please call our office to speak with a therapist.
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